KR20060059848A - Method of liquid filling of cartridge, liquid filling device, and cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for refilling liquid into a cartridge according to the present invention is a liquid refilling method for refilling liquid into a cartridge (1) used in a liquid jet apparatus, the outer side of the cartridge used to seal the air outlet opening (21). A film removing step of removing the injection hole film 90 attached to the air discharge opening 21 in communication with the opening so that the air discharge opening 21 is opened; A liquid injection process in which liquid is injected into the cartridge used through the air discharge opening 21 opened in the injection hole film drilling process; An injection hole film re-deposition process wherein the film is re-deposited using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the re-deposited surface for resealing the air outlet opening 21 in which the liquid has been injected in the liquid injection process.

Description

Liquid replenishment method, liquid refilling device and cartridges for cartridges {METHOD OF LIQUID FILLING OF CARTRIDGE, LIQUID FILLING DEVICE, AND CARTRIDGE}

1 is a flowchart showing a regeneration process of a used cartridge;

2 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention;

3 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge;

4 is a view showing an opening of the container body;

5 shows the surface of the container body;

6 is an enlarged cross-sectional structure of the differential pressure control valve accommodation chamber;

7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional structure of the valve accommodating chamber;

8 shows an example of a cartridge holder;

9 shows the first film deposited;

10 is a view for explaining the displacement of the flow passage of the cartridge according to the present invention;

11 shows a welded over sheet;

12 illustrates a cover label peeling process;

13 is a view showing an ink extraction process;

14 shows a liquid extraction unit used in the ink extraction process;

15 is a view showing a spray hole film punching process,

16 is a view showing an ink ejecting process;

17 shows a liquid ejecting unit used in an ink ejecting process;

18 is a view showing a spray hole film re-welding process;

19A is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the air outlet opening is opened by removing a portion of the film;

19B is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the air outlet opening is sealed after injection of ink;

20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the air outlet opening is sealed.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

1 cartridge used 2 container body

4: ink supply opening 8: valve communication chamber

11: first ink chamber 16: second ink chamber

21: air outlet opening 49: IC chip

50: spring 52: membrane valve

56: airtight second film 59: over sheet

62: elastic member 67: through hole

70: operation rod 72: ink supply needle

80: suction pump 81: ink trap

90: injection hole film 91: communication pipe

93: temporary storage tank 97: injection pipe

107: liquid holding portion 113: heater

120: sealing plug

The present invention relates to a method for replenishing liquid into a cartridge of a liquid jet device, such as a printer, display manufacturing device, electronic forming device or biochip manufacturing device, having a liquid jet head for ejecting liquid droplets through an opening in a nozzle, a liquid refilling device and Relates to a cartridge. The invention also relates to a liquid replenishment device and a cartridge.

A liquid jet apparatus having a liquid jet head for ejecting liquid droplets through an opening of a nozzle for ejecting various kinds of liquids which is most widely known is a recording head mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus. Thus, the ink jet recording apparatus will be used as an example for explanation.

An ink jet recording apparatus includes a liquid jet head for ejecting a liquid such as ink and recording an image such as text, drawings, and the like, and a cartridge for storing a liquid such as ink to be supplied to the liquid jet head, and generally, the cartridge is replaced. Can be separated from the ink jet recording apparatus. If the ink in the cartridge is depleted and thus no image is recorded, the image can be recorded by replacing the used cartridge with no ink again with a new cartridge storage ink of the registered trademark.

In recent years, used cartridges have been considered to be injected with ink for regeneration because serious problems such as increased waste and environmental burdens occur when the used cartridges are disposed of after being used once.

In order to reuse the used cartridge, a method of refilling an ink cartridge of an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink remaining in the ink bag is discharged and a predetermined amount of ink is injected into the ink bag has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). Reference). In the method disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the ink bag is pressurized by the pressure plate in the low pressure chamber to discharge the ink remaining in the ink bag, and then a predetermined amount of ink is injected into the ink bag.

In addition, an ink replacement method for refilling ink into a used cartridge without ink has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the ink is refilled by the refilling unit, while the suction unit sucks the ink in the ink tank.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1998-193635

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1999-207990

However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, while a predetermined amount of ink is injected into the ink bag, the ink bag is pressurized by the pressure plate in the low pressure chamber, whereby the ink remaining in the ink bag is discharged. Thus, this method cannot be applied to rigid case cartridges having a constant shape. In addition, since the ink is discharged from the ink bag by a device having a pressure plate movable vertically in the low pressure chamber, the arrangement of the device and the process becomes complicated. As a result, the regeneration cost is increased.

Further, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the ink is refilled while the ink in the cartridge (ink tank) is sucked, the degassing ratio of the cartridge can be reduced, or a large amount of low quality ink has an increased viscosity. (Viscosity is increased by drying), which may remain in the ink bag and mix with the refilled ink, or the refilled ink may contain many air bubbles, thereby ensuring that the ink has the necessary quality when reused There is a high probability of not being able to. In contrast, when the remaining ink is considered to have been completely discharged, the refilled ink may be mixed with the remaining ink and then discharged, whereby the amount of the refilled ink may be reduced. That is, it is difficult to at the same time ensure the quality and yield of the ink of the regenerated cartridge, whereby both methods are not satisfactory. Also, since ink is injected from a supply opening for supplying ink into a print or the like, and then held in the ink holding member in the cartridge, the ink flow direction during suction or injection is opposite to the ink flow direction during use, and the ink bubble is air It remains in the cartridge in the form of a bubble. As a result, a low injection of the jet head is caused while the regenerated cartridge is in use.

As described above, Patent Documents 1 and 2 hardly mention a method of ensuring the yield of the cartridge by reliably sealing the cartridge refilled with ink refill, and have not studied the above problem.

Further, Patent Documents 1 and 2 mention little of how to remove the air bubbles in the regenerated cartridge and how to prevent the lower injection of the liquid jet head when the regenerated cartridge is used, and the above problem is not studied. .

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently replenishing liquid into a cartridge and a cartridge made by the method and / or apparatus.

Another advantage of the present invention is to efficiently replenish liquid into a used cartridge in a liquid jet device, thereby providing a method of replenishing liquid into a cartridge and a liquid replenishment device.

Another advantage of the present invention is a cartridge which efficiently replenishes liquid into a used cartridge in a liquid jet device and ensures a good yield of the cartridge by reliably sealing the ink refill regeneration cartridge, the liquid refill device and the refill cartridge. It is to provide a method to replenish the liquid into.

Another advantage of the present invention is a method and liquid refilling liquid into a cartridge which efficiently replenishes the liquid into a used cartridge in the liquid jet device and prevents lower injection of the liquid jet head when the regenerated cartridge is used. It is to provide a supplementary device.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a liquid refilling device and a method of replenishing liquid into a cartridge which efficiently replenishes the liquid into a cartridge mountable to the liquid jet device and prevents lower injection of the liquid jet head.

In order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge comprises an opening in communication with the interior of the cartridge used, and an agent deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening to seal the opening. A film removal process for replenishing liquid into a used cartridge having a first film, and removing the first film to communicate an opening with an exterior of the used cartridge; A liquid injection step of injecting liquid into the cartridge used through the openings communicated in the film removal step; Re-deposition where the liquid is redeposited using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the re-deposited surface (hereinafter referred to as the "re-deposition surface") in order to reseal the opening injected in the liquid injection process. Process.

In addition, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the apparatus of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge is deposited on an opening in communication with the interior of the cartridge used, and on the originally deposited surface around the opening to seal the opening. A film removal unit capable of replenishing the liquid into the used cartridge having the first film, wherein the film removal unit removes the first film to communicate the openings with the inside of the used cartridge; A liquid injecting unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge used through the opening communicated by the film removing unit; And a reweld unit for rewelding the second film using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the rewelded surface for resealing the opening in which the liquid is injected by the liquid injection unit.

Furthermore, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the refill cartridge according to the invention comprises an opening in communication with the interior of the cartridge used, and a first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening for sealing the opening. A cartridge made by replenishing liquid into a used cartridge having a first cartridge, wherein the first film is removed to communicate the opening with the exterior of the used cartridge, and the surface originally deposited for resealing the opening after the liquid has been injected. The second film is rewelded using the non-welded surface as the rewelded surface.

That is, in the method and liquid refilling device for refilling liquid into the cartridge of the present invention, the first film deposited around the opening of the cartridge used to seal the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge is removed so that the opening communicates. The liquid is then injected into the used cartridge through the open opening. Next, the second film is re-welded using a surface other than the originally welded surface as the re-welded surface to seal the opening.

As a result, welding quality can be obtained that does not change the shape of the cartridge and does not cause leakage of the liquid and guarantees the welding strength. In addition, since the second film is re-welded using a surface other than the originally welded surface as the re-welded surface, the reliability of welding is improved. In such a case, if the same film as the originally attached film is used, reliability can be ensured that the service life is not degraded. As described above, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration cost. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and the cost caused by the reuse of parts is achieved, thereby allowing the user to use the cartridge at a low price. Can be provided. In such a case, if the same film as the originally attached film is used, reliability can be ensured that the service life is not degraded.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, if the re-deposited surface is formed in a concave portion around an opening deeper than the originally deposited surface, the re-deposition surface is deeper than other adjacent portions, and thus the first film Is covered. Thus, the reweld surface is hardly damaged while the cartridge is in use. As a result, the second film can be re-deposited on the intact surface, resulting in reliable re-welding of the second film.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, a second film is formed in the opening of the cartridge, wherein the inclined surface is inclined downward from the edge of the opening toward the inside of the cartridge, and if the second film is formed in the inclined surface, the second film Is re-deposited on an inclined surface that slopes downward from the edge of the opening into the interior of the cartridge. Thus, the film can be easily re-welded to the inclined surface with the welding jig. As a result, the opening can be sealed more reliably.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, the cartridge has a pressure regulating valve for regulating the supply pressure of the liquid at the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device, wherein the cartridge is regulating the pressure of the pressure regulating valve. If the liquid is retained therein, the liquid is injected in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used. Therefore, the liquid is smoothly injected, while the air bubbles hardly enter or remain.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, the cartridge has a liquid supply device for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device, wherein the liquid remaining in the used cartridge has a liquid supply opening (liquid extraction) before the liquid injection process. If extracted from the process), the liquid is injected into the cartridge after the ink remaining in the cartridge used is extracted, whereby the influence of the lower liquid can be reduced. In addition, since the liquid remaining in the cartridge is extracted through the liquid supply opening during the liquid extraction process, the liquid flows in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used, whereby the liquid will be smoothly extracted. In addition, since an extraction mechanism having the same configuration as that of the liquid jet apparatus can be used, a common part can be used for the apparatus and the apparatus, so that a reduction in the apparatus cost is realized, and the liquid can be smoothly extracted.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, if liquid is injected into the cartridge, the residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process through the opening, not through the liquid supply opening in the liquid injection process, and the liquid It can be injected efficiently into the air bubble and at the same time there is no air bubble.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, if the opening is an opening in communication with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve, the liquid is injected in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used. Therefore, the liquid can be smoothly injected, while at the same time, little air bubbles flow in or remain.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, when the opening first film is removed in a film removing process, the opening first film is removed by forming a through hole in the opening first film, And when the liquid can be opened without damage to the cartridge or the like by forming a through opening in the first film of the opening when the liquid is injected into the cartridge through the opening in the liquid injection process, the re-deposited surface is hardly damaged. Thus, the second film can be re-deposited onto the surface without damage, thereby inducing the re-deposition of the reliability of the second film. In addition, the liquid is injected efficiently in a short time and air bubbles do not enter.

According to the refill cartridge of the present invention, a user can reuse a refill cartridge having a welding quality that guarantees weld strength without changing the shape of the cartridge and without liquid leakage. In addition, since the second film is re-welded by using a surface other than the surface on which it is originally welded as the re-welding surface, welding reliability is increased and user satisfaction is improved. In this case, if the same film as the originally attached film is used, reliability is ensured that the service life is not deteriorated. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the waste caused by the reuse of parts and a reduction in the environmental burden associated with a lower cost is achieved, and as a result, the user can provide a low price cartridge. I can receive it. As described above, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration cost.

In order to achieve at least one of the advantages described above, the method of the present invention of replenishing liquid into a cartridge can replenish liquid into a cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, and a liquid injection process of injecting liquid into the cartridge, The cartridge includes a suction process for sucking a predetermined amount of liquid from the inside of the cartridge through a liquid supply opening for supplying liquid to the liquid jet device after the liquid is injected in the liquid injection process.

Further, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the device of the present invention for replenishing liquid into a cartridge can replenish liquid into a cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, and a liquid injection unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge, And a suction unit for sucking the predetermined amount of liquid from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening through which the cartridge supplies the liquid to the liquid jet device after the liquid is injected by the liquid injection unit.

That is, according to the method and liquid refilling device for replenishing liquid into the cartridge according to the present invention, after the liquid is injected into the cartridge, a predetermined amount of liquid is supplied from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device. Is inhaled.

Therefore, if a predetermined amount of liquid is sucked from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening after the injection of the liquid, little air bubbles remain in the cartridge. In addition, since the air bubbles near the liquid supply opening that affect the jetting performance of the jet head are eliminated, it is possible to ensure the jetting characteristics of the liquid jet apparatus. In particular, when the present invention is applied to a used cartridge, it is possible to ensure the spraying property of the liquid jet apparatus in the used cartridge to the same extent as that of the new cartridge. In addition, since no external pressure is applied when the air bubbles are removed, the cartridge is hardly damaged and the cartridge can be regenerated more times. As described above, especially when the present invention is applied to a used cartridge, since the used cartridge is efficiently reproduced in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration cost. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and cost reduction due to the reuse of parts is achieved, thereby allowing the user to install the cartridge at a low price. Can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge is provided with a pressure regulating valve for regulating the supply pressure of the liquid in the liquid supply opening, since no absorbent material or the like, which holds the liquid in the liquid storage chamber of the cartridge, is present in the case of the cartridge. When the liquid is sucked, extracted or injected, the liquid can be smoothly moved, the liquid can be smoothly replenished, and the effect of the present invention becomes remarkable, in which case the liquid is controlled by the pressure control of the pressure regulating valve. Is retained.

In the suction process, when the amount of liquid corresponding to at least the volume of the flow passage from the pressure regulating valve to the liquid supply opening in the liquid supply passage in the cartridge is sucked, the air bubbles in the flow passage from the pressure regulating valve to the liquid supply opening are reliably ensured. Can be removed. Even when the air bubbles are upstream of the pressure regulating valve, the spray bubbles can be reliably prevented since the air bubbles may not enter the part of the downstream of the pressure regulating valve.

In the suction process, if the liquid is sucked and held in the liquid holding portion having a volume corresponding to the amount of liquid sucked from the liquid supply opening in the suction process, since the liquid is sucked from the liquid supply opening to the same extent as the volume of the liquid holding portion A constant volume of ink can always be properly inhaled, and residual air bubbles can be reliably prevented due to loss of liquid or lack of inhalation due to excessive inhalation.

When the suction process is executed by opening the on / off valve, the negative pressure applied in the vicinity of the liquid supply opening is suddenly increased from a state where a predetermined negative pressure accumulates in the liquid holding portion by opening the on / off valve provided upstream of the liquid holding portion. Thus, the suction speed of the liquid in the cartridge is suddenly increased so that the liquid can be discharged from the liquid supply opening without being stopped. As a result, the liquid containing the air bubbles replenished in the cartridge is strongly sucked, so that the liquid containing no air bubbles is replenished into the liquid supply opening or the like, whereby the liquid can be reliably injected from the liquid jet apparatus. have. As mentioned above, since the strong negative pressure can be applied near the liquid supply opening without increasing the specific suction force, the air bubble or the liquid can be reliably sucked by a simple mechanism.

In the embodiment of the present invention, if the liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening before the liquid injection process (liquid extraction process), the liquid is injected into the cartridge after the liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted. . Therefore, the influence of the lower liquid can be reduced. In addition, since the liquid remaining in the cartridge is extracted through the liquid supply opening during the liquid extraction process, the liquid flows in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used, so that the liquid can be smoothly extracted. In addition, since the extraction jig having the same configuration as that of the liquid jet apparatus can be used, a common part can be used for the apparatus and the apparatus, so that a reduction in the apparatus cost is induced, and the liquid can be smoothly extracted.

In an embodiment of the present invention, if liquid is injected into the cartridge, the residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process through the second opening rather than through the liquid supply opening, and the liquid can be injected efficiently in a short time and at the same time Bubble does not flow.

In the embodiment of the present invention, if the second opening is in communication with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve, the liquid is injected in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used. Thus, the liquid can be injected smoothly while at the same time there is little air bubble entering or remaining.

In an embodiment of the present invention, ink is injected into the cartridge while the pressure of the cartridge from which the liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process is previously reduced to be in the range of 600 to 3800 Pa. As a result, since the liquid is injected while the air in the cartridge is sufficiently removed, the liquid can be smoothly replenished and at the same time air bubbles do not enter the cartridge. In particular, a cartridge similar to the cartridge of this embodiment in which a pressure regulating valve is installed is effective because the resistance of the air passing through the pressure regulating valve adversely affects replenishment characteristics or leaves an air bubble when air bubbles are present in the cartridge. to be. In addition, since the pressure in the cartridge is not excessively reduced, it is possible to prevent a small amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge from being exhausted or solidified or adversely affecting the replenishment properties by severe bubbling.

In the case of an ink cartridge in which liquid has been refilled by the liquid refilling method according to the present invention, the refilling takes a predetermined amount of liquid from the inside of the cartridge through a liquid supply opening through which the cartridge is supplied to the liquid jet device after injection of the liquid. Completed by inhalation. That is, after liquid injection, a predetermined amount of liquid is sucked from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge replenished with liquid in the substantially absence of air bubbles. In addition, the refilled cartridge may be the same liquid as that of the new cartridge because it can reliably remove air bubbles in the vicinity of the ink supply opening, which, if left in that part, only affects the ejection performance of the liquid head only. The jetting performance of the jet device can be guaranteed. In addition, since no pressure is applied to the outside of the cartridge when the air bubbles are removed, the cartridge is not damaged and the cartridge can be regenerated more times. As described above, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration cost. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and cost reduction due to the reuse of parts is achieved, thereby allowing the user to install the cartridge at a low price. Can be provided.

In order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the method of the present invention of refilling liquid into a cartridge can refill the liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, and liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted. A liquid extraction process, and a residual amount checking process for checking whether the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge after the remaining liquid is extracted in the extraction process occupies a predetermined ratio or less with respect to the total amount of liquid to be filled in the new cartridge; And a liquid injection process of injecting liquid into the used cartridge checked to contain the amount of residual liquid of a predetermined ratio or less in the residual amount checking process.

Further, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the device of the present invention to replenish liquid into a cartridge can replenish liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device and extract liquid remaining in the cartridge. A liquid extraction unit which measures the amount of the liquid remaining in the cartridge after the liquid has been extracted by the liquid extraction unit and accounts for a predetermined ratio or less than the total amount of liquid to be filled into the new cartridge; And a liquid injecting unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge checked so that the amount of liquid metered by the metering unit contains a predetermined ratio or less.

That is, according to the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, the liquid remaining in the cartridge used is extracted. In addition, it is checked whether the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge after the liquid is extracted by the liquid extraction unit occupies a predetermined ratio or less than the total amount of the liquid to be replenished into the new cartridge, and the liquid remains in the predetermined ratio or less. It is injected into a used cartridge checked to contain the amount of liquid.

Thus, since fresh liquid is injected only into a cartridge that is checked to contain an amount of liquid at a predetermined ratio or less, the quality of the liquid replenished into the cartridge can be ensured, and the effect of lower liquids is to reduce the degassing rate. And the increase in viscosity due to drying or the like can be almost neglected. Thus, while the yield rate of the liquid to be replenished is ensured while the residual liquid is sufficiently discharged, both the quality and yield of the liquid of the regenerated cartridge can be ensured. In addition, since there is no need to apply external pressure to the cartridge, the cartridge is hardly damaged and the cartridge can be regenerated more times. As described above, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration price. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and cost reduction due to the reuse of parts is achieved, thereby allowing the user to install the cartridge at a low price. Can be provided.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, the quality of the liquid can be ensured and used so that the influence of the lower liquid remaining in the cartridge can be neglected when the predetermined ratio is 6 vol% in the residual amount checking process. The cartridge can be refilled by reliably replacing the liquid in the cartridge used with a refill liquid. In addition, the yield rate of the liquid to be refilled is ensured, while the remaining liquid is sufficiently discharged, thereby ensuring the quality and yield rate of the liquid in the regenerated cartridge.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, when the residual liquid in the cartridge is extracted in the liquid extraction process, a predetermined amount of liquid corresponding to the surface area of the cartridge is formed to remain in the cartridge, and the liquid is injected into the cartridge. When a certain amount of liquid is left in the liquid injection process, a certain amount of liquid remains along the surface of the cartridge, whereby the liquid is hardly flowable (e.g. a narrow liquid flow path), or liquid Improves the flowability of the liquid to a portion that is hardly dispensed, the replenishment characteristics of the liquid are improved, and air bubbles hardly remain. In this case, a large amount of liquid remains if the surface area of the cartridge is large, and a small amount of liquid remains if the surface area of the cartridge is small. As a result, the function works efficiently.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, the cartridge includes a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the supply pressure of the liquid with respect to the liquid supply opening, and an absorbent material for retaining the liquid in the liquid storage chamber of the cartridge, and the like. If not present in the case of the cartridge, the liquid can be smoothly moved when the liquid is sucked, extracted or injected, the liquid can be smoothly replenished, and the effect of the present invention becomes significant, in which case the liquid is It is held by the pressure regulation of the control valve.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, when the liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening in the liquid extraction process of supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device, the liquid remaining in the cartridge is jetted into the liquid jet. Since the liquid is extracted from the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the apparatus, the liquid flows in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used, whereby the liquid can be smoothly extracted. In addition, since the extraction jig having the same configuration as that of the liquid jet apparatus can be used, a common part can be used for the apparatus and the apparatus, so that a reduction in the apparatus cost is induced, and the liquid can be smoothly extracted.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, if a refilling liquid is injected into the cartridge, the residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process through the second opening rather than through the liquid supply opening, and the liquid is It can be injected efficiently and air bubbles are not introduced at the same time.

In the method of the present invention for refilling liquid into a cartridge, if the second opening is in communication with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve, the liquid is injected in the same direction as the liquid flow direction when the cartridge is used. Thus, the liquid can be injected smoothly while at the same time there is little air bubble entering or remaining.

Further, according to the liquid refilling device of the cartridge of the present invention, the liquid remaining in the cartridge used is extracted. It also measures whether the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge after the liquid has been extracted occupies a predetermined ratio or less, and the remaining liquid equal to or less than the predetermined ratio of the total amount of liquid to be replenished into a new cartridge. The liquid is only injected into the cartridge containing the metered amount.

Therefore, since the replenishment liquid is injected only into the cartridge checked to contain an amount of liquid equal to or less than the predetermined ratio, the quality of the liquid replenished into the cartridge can be assured, and the influence of the lower liquid is dependent on the degassing ratio. Causes a decrease, and an increase in viscosity due to drying or the like can be almost neglected. Thus, while the yield rate of the liquid to be replenished is ensured while the residual liquid is sufficiently discharged, both the quality and yield of the liquid of the regenerated cartridge can be ensured. In addition, since there is no need to apply external pressure to the cartridge, the cartridge is hardly damaged and the cartridge can be regenerated more times. As described above, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration price. In addition, since the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and cost reduction due to the reuse of parts is achieved, thereby allowing the user to install the cartridge at a low price. Can be provided.

In the present invention, the replenishment liquid (liquid to be replenished) may be the same as the liquid originally filled and consumed, or may be the same group of liquids or similar liquids. For example, if the liquid is ink, the refill liquid may be ink of the same color, or ink of the same color group or ink of similar color. Here, an ink of the same group means an ink having the same group of colorants or color materials that have substantially the same color characteristics as those of the ink originally filled and consumed (for example, red ink and pale red ink, etc.) By similarly colored ink is meant an ink with a colorant or color material that has a color characteristic similar to that of the ink originally filled and consumed (eg red ink and orange ink and the like). Also, in some cases, the refill liquid may be an ink that is completely different in color from the ink originally filled and consumed.

The best mode of carrying out the present invention will now be described.

In the following description, on the other hand, an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "recording apparatus") which is a liquid jet apparatus will be used as an example. The recording apparatus is an image recording apparatus that records characters or images by placing liquid droplets (liquid ink) ejected from the nozzle opening onto a recording sheet (print sheet), which is an object to be ejected.

The recording apparatus includes an ink cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge") 1 and a carriage to which the recording head is attached.

The carriage is connected to the stepped motor through a timing belt and guided to the guide bar to reciprocate in the width direction of the recording sheet. The carriage is shaped like a box, the upper surface of which is open, and is attached to the surface (bottom surface in this example) opposite the recording sheet so as to expose the nozzle of the recording head. The cartridge 1 is also mounted on the carriage.

Moreover, ink is supplied from the cartridge 1 to the recording head, and an image or text is printed in a dot matrix by ejecting ink droplets from the moving cartridge onto the recording sheet.

Fig. 1 is a flow chart showing all the processes of the regeneration process, through which the ink (refilling ink) is sprayed into the used cartridge 1, allowing the cartridge 1 to be reused.

As shown in Fig. 1, in the regeneration process of the cartridge 1, the "recovery process" in which the cartridge 1 is recovered, the "selection process" in which the cartridge 1 is selected, and the appearance of the cartridge 1 This inspection "exterior inspection process" and the "cover label peeling process" which peels off the over sheet 59 mentioned later are performed in sequence.

Next, the "supply hole film peeling process" in which the supply hole film for sealing the ink supply opening described later is peeled off, the "ink extraction process" for extracting the ink (residual ink) remaining in the used cartridge 1, and A "spray hole film drilling process" in which holes are formed in the ejection hole film F of the air discharge opening 21 described later, and an "ink injection process" for injecting refilling ink into the cartridge 1 are executed in sequence. .

Thereafter, the "spray hole film re-deposition process" in which different injection hole films 90 described later are re-welded after the holes are formed in the film F, and the "supply hole film re-deposition process" in which the supply hole films are re-welded. And a "weight inspection process" for inspecting the weight of the cartridge 1, a "IC data recording process" for recording information on the IC chip 49 described later, and an "IC for recording information of the IC chip 49; Data reading process "is executed in sequence.

Next, the "lot number stamping process" in which the lot number is stamped on the cartridge 1, the "external pressure test process" in which the external pressure inspection is performed on the cartridge 1, and the cartridge 1 are pressurized and packaged The "packing process" for simplifying, the "12h leak check process" for checking the leakage of ink or air from the cartridge 1, and the "individual packaging process" for packing the cartridge 1 are executed in sequence. The detailed description of each process is mentioned later.

Thereafter, the cartridge 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs.

2 and 3 are exploded attempts showing an example of the cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition, FIG. 4 shows the container main body 2 as seen from the opening, and FIG. 5 shows the surface (hereinafter, the surface of the container main body 2 opposite to the opening is called "the surface of the container main body 2"). The container main body 2 is shown.

The cartridge 1 has a flat and rectangular container body 2 and a lid member 3 which is welded and sealed in an opening, and the surface of the body (left surface in FIG. 2) is open. Both the container body 2 and the lid member 3 are made of synthetic resin.

The container main body 2 includes ink grooves 35 and 18A formed on the surface of the main body to act as an ink flow cylinder, and an atmospheric communication groove 36 to act as an atmospheric communication cylinder. Moreover, since the sheet | seat of the airtight 1st film 57 is welded to the surface of the container main body 2, the opening of the ink grooves 35 and 18A and the atmospheric communication groove 36 is sealed and thereby ink The grooves 35 and 18A are formed in the ink flow passage, and the atmospheric communication grooves 36 are formed in the atmospheric communication grooves.

As a result, the flow passage is formed in the cartridge 1 and seals the opening with the ink groove 35, the atmospheric communication groove 36 formed on the surface of the cartridge having the first film 5, and the like. And containers with relatively complex flow passages, such as atmospheric communication passages, can be readily formed. Thus, the molding tool can be easily designed or machined, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

Hereinafter, the structure of the flow passage of the container main body 2 is demonstrated in detail.

An ink supply opening 4 is formed in the front end surface of the container body 2 (in this example, the container body 2), the container body 2 is inserted into the cartridge from the opening, and the cartridge 1 is The holding arms 5, 6, which are gripped by hand when detached, are integrally formed with the container body 2 on the front and rear surfaces (left and right in FIG. 4) of the cartridge 1. The ink supply opening 4 is in communication with a valve body (not shown) which is opened by inserting the ink supply needle therein. On the other hand, in Fig. 3, reference numeral 49 denotes an IC chip which serves as a storage unit provided below the holding arm 6 on the side of the ink supply hole 4.

The IC chip 49 stores information such as the amount of used ink in the cartridge 1, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1, and the reproduction information, as will be described later. These types of information are recorded by an information recording unit (for example, IC checker (described later) or the like).

A framed portion 14 comprising a wall 10 extending substantially horizontally inclined slightly downward toward the ink supply opening 4 is formed inside the opening of the container body 2. The framed portion 14 is formed to be fixed substantially spaced apart from the top and both sides of the container body 2. The first ink chamber 11 containing the ink is formed in the area under the framed portion 14.

In addition, the atmospheric communication passages 13 and 13A for communicating the first ink chamber 11 with the atmosphere through the through-hole 67 have a gap formed between the frame-shaped portion 14 and the external communication wall of the container body 2. And the wall 12 of the framed chamber 14 provided in the valve receiving chamber 8.

The lid member 3 is usually welded to the outer circumferential wall and wall 12 of the container body 2 to form a communication passage 13A. In addition, the upper end of the wall 12 forming the atmospheric communication passage 13A forms almost the upper end of the container body 2 so as to form an upper end protrusion higher than the liquid surface in the first ink chamber 11 when the cartridge 1 is used. Extends. As a result, the opening of the atmospheric communication passage 13A is located higher than the liquid surface in the first ink chamber 11, whereby the back flow of ink into the through hole 67 is prevented as much as possible.

The interior of the framed portion 14 extends longitudinally from the bottom and is divided into right and left regions by walls 15 having communication openings 15A through which ink flows. In addition, a second ink chamber 16 which temporarily stores the ink raised from the first ink chamber 11 is formed in the right region of the framed portion 14 divided by the wall 15. Further, in the left region, a third ink chamber 17, a fourth ink chamber 23, a fifth ink chamber 34, and the like are formed, and a differential pressure valve composed of a membrane valve 52, a spring 50, or the like is provided. Are accepted.

The differential pressure valve is a pressure control valve provided to adjust the supply pressure of the ink to the ink supply opening 4 and to hold the ink in the cartridge 1 by the pressure control of the pressure regulating valve. Thus, the cartridge 1 of this example is a pressure control valve which regulates the supply pressure of ink with respect to the ink supply opening 4, and hold | maintains ink in it by the pressure control of a pressure regulating valve. When this type of cartridge is used, the ink can be moved smoothly in the cartridge 1, whereby the ink is easily replenished, and the effect of the present invention is remarkably improved.

In the portion of the first ink chamber 11 below the second ink chamber 16, the second ink chamber 16 communicates with the bottom surface of the container body 2, thereby removing the first ink chamber 11 from the first ink chamber 11. 2 forms a liquid lifting passage 18 for lifting ink up to the ink chamber 16. A rectangular area surrounded by the wall 19 is formed in the lower part of the lifting passage 18, and communication openings 19A and 19B are formed in the lower part and the upper surface of the wall 19.

The lifting passage 18 forms a grooved ink groove 18A in the surface of the container body 2, and the ink groove 18A is sealed by the first film 57. As shown in FIG.

In addition, the lifting passage 18 communicates with the second ink chamber 16 at its upper portion via the communication opening 47, and the lower end opening 18B (see FIG. 9) is opened by the lower wall 19. Communication with the first ink chamber 11 is made through an opening 48 formed in the enclosed rectangular area. As a result, the first ink chamber 11 communicates with the second ink chamber 16 through the lifting passage 18, and ink is introduced into the second ink chamber 16 from the first ink chamber 11.

Moreover, an ink injection opening 20 used when ink is injected into the first ink chamber 11 is formed in a portion of the bottom surface of the container body 2 corresponding to the lifting opening 18. In addition, an air discharge opening 21 for discharging air during the injection of the ink is formed in the vicinity of the ink injection opening 20.

An air discharge opening 21, which forms a second opening separately from the ink supply opening 4, communicates with the first ink chamber 11, which is an ink storage chamber upstream of the differential pressure valve. In this embodiment, ink is injected from the air discharge opening 21 in the "ink injection process". That is, when ink is injected into a new cartridge of the registered trademark, ink is injected from the ink injection opening 20 and when ink is injected into the used cartridge, ink is injected from the air discharge opening 21. In this embodiment, 18.18 grams (g) of ink is replenished into an unused cartridge.

In the third ink chamber 17, the wall 22 is formed to extend in the horizontal direction at a predetermined distance from the upper surface 14A of the framed portion 14. In addition, the third chamber 17 is divided by an arc wall 24 in communication with the wall 22, and the differential pressure valve receiving chamber 33 and the fifth ink chamber 34 are surrounded by the wall 24. It is formed in the part.

The area enclosed by the arc wall 24 is divided into two parts in the thickness direction by the wall 25 to form the differential pressure valve 33 at the surface facing the fifth ink chamber 34. An ink circulation opening 25A is provided in the wall 25 to introduce ink flowing through the fifth ink chamber 34 into the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 33.

A dividing wall 26 comprising a communication opening 26A between the wall 10 and the dividing wall 26 is formed in the lower portion of the arc wall 24 substantially, and the dividing wall 26 (left of FIG. 4). The portion below) forms the fifth ink chamber 23. In addition, the dividing wall 26 has a communication opening 27 and extends in the longitudinal direction; The dividing wall 32, which extends in the longitudinal direction and has communication openings 32A and 32B at the top and bottom, is formed between the arc wall 24 and the framed portion 14 to form the ink flow passages 28A and 28B. It is installed in the lower part.

In addition, an arc wall 30 is formed in the container body 2 so as to be continuous to the upper end of the dividing wall 27 and to be substantially connected to the arc wall 24 and the wall 22. In addition, an area enclosed by the arc wall 30 is formed in the filter accommodating chamber 9 in which the block-shaped (cylindrical in this example) filter 7 is accommodated.

In addition, a through hole 29 connecting the large circle and the small circle is formed in the arc wall 30 forming the filter accommodating chamber 9. Further, the large circular side through hole 29 communicates with the upper portion of the ink flow passage 28A, and the small circular side through hole 29 substantially communicates with the opening opening provided at the front end of the arc wall 24. Communication with the upper portion of the fifth ink chamber 34 via 24A). As a result, the ink flow passage 28A communicates with the fifth ink chamber 34 through the through hole 29.

Further, ink flowing from the second ink chamber 16 through the communication openings 15A, 26A, 32B, 27A, and the like into the ink flow passage 28A is filtered by the filter 7 in the filter receiving chamber 9. , Into the large circular side of the through hole 29. Next, the ink flowing into the through hole 29 flows into the fifth ink chamber 34 from the small circular side of the through hole 29 through the communication opening 21a. The opening of the through hole 29 on the side of the surface of the container body 2 is sealed by the first film 57.

Here, the hermetic second film 56 is welded to the opening of the framed portion 14. That is, the second film 56 is deposited on the framed portion 14, the walls 10, 15, 22, 24, 30, 42 and the dividing walls 26, 27, 32 to form an ink chamber or flow passage. Form.

On the other hand, the ink supply opening 4 is a flow passage formed by the lower portion of the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 33 by the ink groove 35 formed on the surface and the airtight first film 57 covering the ink groove 35. In communication with Upper and lower ends of the ink groove 35 communicate with the differential pressure valve receiving chamber 33 and the ink supply opening 4, respectively. As a result, the induced odin ink into the fifth ink chamber 34 is passed through the ink circulation opening 25a and the differential pressure valve receiving chamber 33, and the ink supply opening 4 from the flow passage in which the ink groove 35 is formed. Flows into. In addition, a rectangular concave portion 38 is formed in the region of the surface of the container body 2 corresponding to the second ink chamber 16.

The frame portion 39 and the rib 40 form a deeper step in the rectangular concave portion 38. In addition, the rectangular concave portion 38 spreads the airtight groove 36 and the airtight sheet 55 having the ink-repellent property on the frame portion 39 and the rib 40. It is formed in the atmospheric exhaust chamber in communication with the atmosphere through the groove (37).

The through hole 41 is drilled in the rear surface of the concave portion 38 and communicates with the elongated area 43 divided by the elliptical wall 42 in the second ink chamber 16. In addition, the atmospheric communication groove 36 is in communication with the area of the concave portion 38 closer to the surface than the air-permeable sheet 55. Further, the through hole 44 is drilled at the end of the elongated region 43 opposite the through hole 41. The through hole 44 has a communication groove 45 formed on the side surface of the surface of the container body 2 through a through hole 46 bored to communicate with the groove 45, and a valve accommodation which is an atmospheric opening valve chamber. In communication with the chamber (8).

In the valve accommodating chamber 8, a through hole 60 is formed in communication with the through hole 67 formed in the atmospheric communication passage 13a formed in the first ink chamber 11. As a result, air flowing into the concave portion 38 through the atmospheric communication groove 36 and the groove 37 passes through the through hole 41, the elongated region 43 and the through holes 44 and 46 through the valve receiving chamber. (8), the first ink chamber 11 is reached from the valve receiving chamber 8 through the through hole 60, the through hole 67, and the atmospheric communication passages 13 and 13a.

In addition, the valve receiving chamber 8 is opened at the side (bottom surface in this example) in which the cartridge is inserted, whereby the identification part or the actuating rod installed in the main body of the recording apparatus as described later is used for the valve receiving chamber 8. An atmospheric opening valve is inserted which is inserted into the opening and which is kept open by inserting the actuation rod into the upper part and always keeping it open.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional structure around the fifth ink chamber 34 and the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 33. On the other hand, the surface of the container main body 2 in which the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 33 is located is located in the right side of the figure. A membrane valve 52 composed of a spring 50 and an elastically changeable material such as an elastomer and having a through hole 51 in the center thereof is received. The membrane valve 52 includes an annular thick portion 52A around it and is fixed to the container body 2 via a frame portion 54 integrally formed with the thick portion 52a. In addition, the spring 50 has a spring receiving portion of the lid member 53 whose one end is in contact with the spring receiving portion 52b of the membrane valve 52d and the other end thereof covers the differential pressure receiving chamber 33. It is supported to be in contact with the portion 53A.

According to the above configuration, the flow of ink passing from the fifth ink chamber 34 through the ink circulation opening 25A is blocked by the membrane valve 52. If the pressure of the ink supply opening 4 is lowered in this state, the membrane valve 52 is separated from the valve seat portion 25B due to the negative pressure that resists the pressing force of the spring 50. In this case, the ink is passed through the flow passage in which the through hole 51 and the ink groove 35 are formed, and flows into the ink supply opening 4.

When the pressure of the ink supply opening 4 reaches a predetermined value, the membrane valve 52 is elastically contacted with the valve seating portion 25B by the pressing force of the spring 50, and thus the flow of ink Is blocked. Thus, ink can be discharged from the ink supply opening 4 by repeatedly performing the above-described operation, while the pressure of the ink supply opening 4 is maintained at a constant negative pressure.

7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the valve receiving chamber 8 for atmospheric communication. On the other hand, the surface of the container main body 2 is located in the right side of the figure. The through hole 60 is perforated in the wall dividing the valve receiving chamber 8, and the pressing member 61 comprising an elastic member such as rubber is removably inserted into the surface of the container body 2. The periphery of the pressing member 61 is supported by the container main body 2. The valve body 65 supported by the elastic member 62 and always pressed by the through hole 60 is disposed at the front end of the pressing member 61 (in the forward direction). An elastic member 62, such as a leaf spring, in which the lower end is fixed by the protrusion 63 and the middle is adjusted by the protrusion 64, is used in this example.

On the other hand, the arm 66 is disposed opposite to the pressing member 61. A portion of the arm 66 (lower end in this example) in the direction in which the cartridge 1 is inserted is fixed to the container body 2 via a rotary lever support 66A located inside the working rod 70 as described below. do. In addition, the withdrawal portion (upper portion in this example) of the arm 66 protrudes obliquely with respect to the inlet passage of the working rod 70. The protruding portion 66B for elastically pressing the pressing member 61 is formed at the front end of the arm 66. According to the above-described configuration, the through hole 67 has a through hole 60, a valve accommodating chamber 8, a through hole 46, a groove 45, a through hole when the valve body 65 is opened. It is connected to the atmospheric communication concave portion 38 through the 44, the elongated region 43 and the through hole 41.

In addition, the identification protruding portion 68 is provided with a portion of the valve receiving chamber 8 that is closer to the portion into which the cartridge is inserted than the arm 66 (bottom in this example) to determine whether the cartridge is suitable for the recording apparatus. The identification protruding portion 68 is formed by the identification piece (operation rod) 70A before the ink supply opening 4 is in communication with the ink supply needle 72 (see FIG. 8) and before the valve body 65 is opened. Installed at the location where the decision is made.

According to the above configuration, if the cartridge 1 is mounted on the cartridge holder 71 having the actuating rod 70 standing on the lower surface as shown in FIG. 8, the actuating rod 70 is an oblique arm 66. ), The pressing member 61 is inclined to the valve body 65 when the cartridge 1 is pushed. As a result, the valve body 65 is separated from the through hole 60, and the through hole 46, the groove 45, the through hole 44, the region 43 and the through hole 41 are separated as described above. The air communication concave portion 38 is opened to the atmosphere.

In addition, when the cartridge 1 is taken out of the cartridge holder 71, the operation rod 70 no longer supports the arm 60, whereby the valve body 65 is driven by the pressing force of the elastic member 62. The through hole 60 is sealed, and the ink containing portion is blocked from the atmosphere.

Next, the hermetic first film 57 is attached to the surface so as to cover at least one region in which the concave portion is formed with all members such as valves incorporated into the container body 2. As a result, the capillary which forms an atmospheric communication path by the recessed part and the 1st film 57 is formed in the surface.

Here, the displacement of the flow passage including the capillary or the formation of the flow passage will be described in detail.

As described above, in the cartridge 1, the openings of the ink groove 35, the through hole 29, the ink groove 18A, the groove 45, the atmospheric communication groove 36 and the concave portion 38 are It seals by welding the sheet | seat of the 1st film 57 to the surface of the container main body 2. The ink groove 35, the through hole 29, the ink groove 18A and the groove 45 are each formed in the ink passage, and the atmospheric communication groove 36 and the concave portion 38 are each formed in the atmospheric communication passage. . 9 shows the cartridge 1 on which the first film 57 is welded.

In this case, the first film 57 is placed on the surface of the container body 2 and then pressed by a heated treatment plate for thermal welding.

Here, the atmospheric communication grooves 36 are fine and shallow grooves that are bent intricately to prevent the exhaust of ink and excessive increase in passage resistance. Thus, when the atmospheric communication groove 36 is sealed by the first film 57, the atmospheric communication groove 36 can be compressed, so that air circulation can be blocked if the deposition height is not made with high precision. On the other hand, it is preferable that the concave portions forming the ink passages of the ink grooves 35 and the like are welded with great care in welding strength to prevent ink leakage.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the flow passage has an ink groove 35, a through hole 29, while the surface of the container body 2 is formed with two regions, that is, a concave portion forming the ink flow passage. The back is disposed so as to be divided into a region (a) occupying most of them and a region (b) in which the atmospheric communication grooves 36 are formed. A groove 31 which does not form an ink flow passage is formed in the edge portion between the region a and the region b on the surface of the container body 2.

In addition, when the first film 57 is welded to the container body 2, an area (hereinafter referred to as a "welding area") pressed by the heated processing plate at a time is an area in which the precision of the welding height needs to be adjusted ( a) and the area (b) where the welding strength needs to be adjusted, whereby the welding conditions are independently adjusted in the areas (a, b). As a result, the welding conditions can be easily found because both the welding precision and the welding strength can be adjusted, and the welding condition can be better adjusted if the welding condition on the relatively narrow portion is adjusted.

In addition, the welding region of the first film 57 is a region b in which an ink groove 35 is formed, which forms an ink flow passage downstream of the differential pressure valve generating negative pressure in the cartridge 1, and the region a. Divided into. That is, since the shapes of the flow passages such as the ink flow passage and the atmospheric communication passage are relatively complicated, the complicated flow passage can be easily formed in the cartridge 1 having the differential pressure valve.

In addition, since the groove 31 which does not form a flow passage is located in the edge region between the divided welding region a and the region b, the welding and treatment surface on which the first film 57 is welded is divided. It can overlap between the welding area (a) and the area (b), thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the welding device. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 57A denotes a cutout provided in a portion of the first film 57 corresponding to the groove 31.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 has an over sheet 59 covering the first film 57 attached to the surface of the container body 92. As a result, the first film 57 is protected by the over sheet 59, and ink leakage and the exhaust of ink due to damage of the first film 57 can be reduced. In the figure, reference numeral 59A denotes a cutout provided in a part of the over seat 59 corresponding to the groove 31.

The over sheet 59 is thicker than the first film 57. That is, in the cartridge 1, the first film 57 is thinner than the over sheet 59. As a result, when the ink grooves 35 and 18A, the atmospheric communication grooves 36 and the like are sealed by welding the first film 57, the first film 57 easily covers the surface of the container body 2. Since it can be done, welding strength or welding precision improves well. In addition, the first film 57 can be efficiently protected by the relatively thick oversheet 59.

In addition, the over sheet 59 has an extension area 59B covering the lower surface of the container body 2, and the extension area 59B covers the ink injection opening 20 and the air discharge opening 21. . As described above, the sheet of the over sheet 59 may cover the ink injection opening 20 and the air discharge opening 21, whereby the process may be simplified or the number of parts may be reduced.

On the other hand, the opening of the container main body 2 is attached to the airtight second film 56 by heat welding or the like, and the frame-shaped portion 14, the walls 10, 15, 22, 24, 30, 42 and the dividing wall ( With respect to 26, 27, 32, the container body 2 is made airtight. In addition, the lid member 3 is covered and fixed to the opening by welding or the like. As a result, the area divided by each wall is sealed to communicate with each other only through the communication opening or the opening.

In addition, the opening of the valve accommodating chamber is also sealed with the hermetic third film 58 by heat welding or the like, thereby finishing the cartridge 1. If the ink receiving portion is sealed by the hermetic first and second films 56, 57 and the like as described above, the container body 2 can be easily molded, and vibration of the ink resulting from the reciprocating motion of the cartridge It can be absorbed by the deformation of the first and second films 56 and 57, whereby the ink pressure can be kept constant.

Thereafter, the injection pipe is inserted into the ink injection opening 20, and then sufficient degassing ink is injected with the air discharge opening 21 open. After the injection is completed, the ink injection opening 20 and the air discharge opening 21 are sealed by the injection hole film F and the over sheet 59.

Since the cartridge 1 having the above configuration is cut off from the atmosphere by a valve or the like, the degassing ratio of the ink can be sufficiently maintained.

Also, when the cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holder 71, if the correct cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holder 71, the cartridge 1 has an ink supply opening 4 with an ink supply needle 72. The cartridge holder enters the position to be inserted into it, and the through hole 60 is opened by the operation rod 70 as described above, whereby the ink receiving portion communicates with the atmosphere, and the valve of the ink supply opening 4 Is also opened by the ink supply needle 72.

On the other hand, when the wrong cartridge 1 is mounted on the cartridge holder 71, the identification protrusion 68 is formed to identify the identification piece of the cartridge holder 71 before the ink supply opening 4 reaches the ink supply needle 72. FIG. A contact is made with respect to 70A, whereby the cartridge 1 no longer enters. In this state, since the working rod 70 also does not reach the arm 66, the valve body 65 is kept in a sealed state, and the ink containing portion is not opened to the atmosphere, thereby preventing the discharge of ink. Can be.

If the correct cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holder 71 and ink is consumed by the recording head during printing, the membrane valve 52 is reduced because the pressure of the ink supply opening 4 is lowered to a predetermined pressure or less. Is opened as described above. Also, if the pressure of the ink supply opening 4 is increased, the membrane valve 52 is closed. By this operation, ink held at a predetermined negative pressure flows into the recording head.

If ink is consumed in the recording head, ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows into the second ink chamber 16 through the lifting passage 18. The air bubbles flowing into the second ink chamber 16 are moved up due to the buoyancy force, and only ink flows into the third ink chamber 17 through the communication opening 15A in the lower portion.

The ink in the third ink chamber 17 is passed through the communication opening 26A of the wall 24 formed in a substantially circular shape and the dividing wall 26 formed in the lower end of the fourth ink chamber 23, and the ink flows. Flow into passages 28A and 28B.

Ink flowing through the ink flow passage 28A flows into the filter receiving chamber 9 and is then filtered by the filter 7. The ink passed through the filter receiving chamber 9 flows from the opposite circle side of the through hole 29 to the small circle side, and then through the communication opening 24A to the upper portion of the fifth ink chamber 34. do.

Thereafter, the ink flowing into the fifth ink chamber 34 flows into the differential pressure valve receiving chamber 33 through the ink circulation opening 25A, and by the opening and closing operations of the membrane valve 52 as described above. It flows into the ink supply opening 4 at a predetermined negative pressure.

Here, the first ink chamber 11 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication passages 13 and 13A, the through holes 67, the valve accommodating chamber 8, and the like, and is maintained at atmospheric pressure. Thus, a negative pressure is induced and thus the flow of ink is not blocked. Even when the ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows back to reach the concave portion 38, the concave portion 38 has an air permeable sheet 55 having ink blocking properties, thereby providing an air permeable sheet ( 55 communicates the recessed portion 38 with the atmosphere, while the ejection of the ink is blocked. As a result, the ink can be prevented from flowing into the atmospheric communication groove 36 in advance, and the atmospheric communication groove 36 is blocked by solidification of the ink.

As described above, the cartridge 1 includes an ink groove 35 or the like, or an atmospheric communication groove 36 formed in the surface of the container body 2, and the flow passage is an opening or atmosphere of the ink groove 35 or the like. It is formed by sealing the communication groove 36 with the first film 57, whereby a container including a complicated flow passage such as an ink flow passage and an atmospheric communication passage can be easily molded, and the molding tool is easily designed. And can be prepared. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

On the other hand, although this example shows a cartridge using the columnar filter 7, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the filter 7 has a block shape, the filter 7 of various shapes and sizes is the present invention. It can be used to.

Next, the regeneration process of the used cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the used cartridge 1 is recovered for all types or colors in the "recovery process", and then the recovered cartridge 1 is sorted out in the "selection process".

In the " selection process ", the IC checker for reading the reproduction information stored in the IC chip 49 reads the reproduction information stored in the IC chip 49 of the cartridge 1. The reproduction information includes the date of manufacture of the cartridge, and whether ink has been extracted is determined by determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the date of manufacture of the read. For example, it is determined whether 1.5 years have elapsed from the date of manufacture of the cartridge, and if 1.5 years has not elapsed, new ink is additionally added while the refilling ink remains in the cartridge 1 without the "ink extraction process". Is injected. On the other hand, if 1.5 years have elapsed as in the example, the " ink extraction process " is executed, whereby the refilling ink is injected after the remaining ink is extracted from the cartridge 1.

As the reproduction information, the number of reproductions and the like is recorded. In this case, the reproduction information is recorded in the "IC data recording process".

Next, in the "exterior inspection process", the appearance of the selected cartridge 1 is inspected. In this process, only cartridges 1, such as cartridges significantly contaminated by ink due to ink leakage or the like, cartridges with severe appearance such as cartridges without pie arms, cartridges without IC chips, etc. are sorted by naked eyes. It is removed from the recovered cartridge 1.

Then, in the "cover label peeling process", the extension area 59B covering the ink injection opening 20 and the air discharge opening 21 in the over sheet 59 is peeled from the lower surface of the container body 2. . The "cover label peeling process" in this embodiment is performed before the "ink extraction process", and the extended area 59B of the over sheet 59 is peeled off, while the film F is the ink injection opening 20. And attached to the lower surface of the container body 2 to maintain the sealed state of the air discharge opening 21. Also, the "cover label peeling process" may be executed after the "ink extraction process" is executed.

As shown in Fig. 12, in the "color label peeling process", the extended area 59B is cut from the over sheet 59 by scissors, a cutting knife, or the like, and then peeled off from the lower surface of the container body 2. do.

Then, in the "opening hole film peeling process", the supply opening film (not shown) which seals the ink supply opening 4 of the cartridge 1 is peeled off with tweezers or the like.

Then, in the "ink extraction process", the ink remaining in the cartridge 1 is extracted.

As shown in Fig. 13, in the " ink extraction process ", an extraction and suction process in which the ink remaining in the used cartridge 1 is sucked and extracted, and the cartridge (after the residual ink is extracted in the extraction and suction process), A residual amount checking process is executed to check whether the amount of ink remaining in 1) occupies a predetermined ratio or less than the total amount of ink to be refilled in a new cartridge.

Fig. 14 shows a liquid extraction device in a liquid refilling device according to the present invention for refilling ink in a used cartridge 1. The apparatus includes a liquid extraction unit, which will be described later, which extracts ink remaining in the cartridge 1, a metering unit 89 which is a weighing unit for measuring whether the residual ink occupies a predetermined ratio or less than the total amount of ink, It includes a liquid injection unit described later.

The liquid extraction unit extracts the ink remaining in the cartridge 1 and then collects the ink trap 81 for recovering the cartridge 1 to be refilled, and the pressure in the ink trap 81 through the trap pressure reducing pipe 85 described later. Suction pump 83 for reducing the pressure of the ink and an ink suction pipe 87 for sucking residual ink from the cartridge 1.

An ink reservoir 81a for receiving residual ink sucked into the ink trap 18 is provided in the ink trap 81. An extraction jig for extracting the residual ink in the cartridge 1 from the ink supply opening 4 is provided at one end of the ink suction pipe 87. Also, an end (extraction pipe) is connected with the ink supply opening 1, and the other end is disposed in the ink reservoir 81a of the ink trap 81.

Basically, the extraction jig has the same structure as that of the mounting portion in which the cartridge is mounted in the liquid jet apparatus, and waits for the ink supply needle 72 or the atmospheric communication concave portion 38 inserted into the ink supply opening 4. And an actuation rod 70 for opening the furnace. The extraction jig is disposed above the ink trap 81 and supports the cartridge 1 while the ink supply opening 4 is directed downward. As a result, the residual ink falls into the ink trap 81 through the ink suction pipe 87 when extracted from the extraction jig.

One end of the trap pressure reduction pipe 85 is connected to the suction pump 83 and the other end is disposed at the upper portion in the ink trap 81.

In the extraction and suction process, the liquid refilling device having the above configuration drives the suction pump 83 and traps the ink at a predetermined negative pressure (for example, about 100 Torr or 13.3 kPa) through the trap pressure reducing pipe 85. Reduce the pressure at 81. In addition, the residual ink is extracted from the cartridge 1 through the ink supply opening 4, and the extracted residual ink is received by the ink reservoir 81a of the ink trap 81. In this embodiment, the ink remaining in the used cartridge 1 is extracted from the ink supply opening 4 as above.

As described above, when the ink remaining in the used cartridge 1 is extracted from the ink supply opening 4, new ink is injected after the residual ink is extracted. Therefore, the influence of the internal residual ink can be reduced. Also, since the ink remaining in the cartridge is extracted from the ink supply opening 4, the ink flow direction during extraction is the same as the ink flow direction when the cartridge is used, so that the ink can be extracted smoothly without difficulty. In addition, since the extraction jig having the same configuration as that of the liquid jet apparatus is used, a joint component is used, whereby the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. In addition, the residual ink can be extracted as smoothly as when the cartridge is used.

When residual ink in the cartridge 1 is extracted, a predetermined amount of liquid corresponding to the surface area of the cartridge 1 is allowed to remain in the cartridge 1. In particular, the amount of ink to remain in the cartridge 1 is about 2.5% by volume (0.5 g in this example) of the total amount of ink to be refilled. As described above, when a predetermined amount of ink is left in accordance with the surface area of the cartridge 1, the fluidity of the ink to a portion where ink is difficult to flow (for example, a narrow flow passage) or a portion where the ink leaks is improved. This improves the replenishment properties of the ink, and air bubbles rarely remain. In this case, a large amount of ink remains if the surface area of the cartridge 1 is large, and a small amount of ink remains if the surface area of the cartridge 1 is small, whereby the above function works efficiently.

Then, in the residual amount checking step, it is checked whether the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 after the ink is extracted occupies a predetermined ratio of the total amount of ink to be refilled into the new cartridge.

The predetermined ratio is 6% by volume in the residual amount check process. That is, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 is 6% by volume or less of the total amount of ink to be refilled into a new cartridge.

In this embodiment, since 18.18 grams (g) of ink is replenished with a new cartridge, it is checked whether the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 is 1 g or less, which is 6% (v / w) of 18.18 g. .

Since the predetermined ratio in the residual amount checking process is 6% by volume, the quality of the liquid can be assured until the influence of the lower liquid remaining in the cartridge is neglected, and the used cartridge is supplied to the cartridge used as the replenishment liquid. It can be updated by reliably replacing it. In addition, the yield of the liquid to be refilled can be ensured while the remaining liquid is sufficiently discharged, thereby ensuring the quality of the liquid and the yield of the liquid in the regenerated cartridge.

As described above, the "ink extraction process" is completed by remaining 0.5 to 1 g of ink in the cartridge 1, and the next process starts.

Subsequently (see FIG. 1), in the "injection hole film perforation process", the air discharge opening 21 of the cartridge 1 containing 1 g or less of residual ink for sealing the air discharge opening 21 is used. A portion of the film F to be deposited in the vicinity is removed to communicate the air outlet opening 21 to the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the " injection hole film perforation process ", a part of the film F of the air outlet opening 21, in particular, when a part of the film F of the air outlet opening 21 is removed. The silver is cut out by a film removing unit (for example, scissors or a cutting knife), and then a hole is formed in the film F of the air discharge opening 21.

As described above, a part of the film F of the air outlet opening 21 is removed by cutting a part of the film F and forming a through hole in the film F of the air outlet opening 21. In addition, in the "ink injection process", fresh ink is injected into the cartridge 1 from the air discharge opening 21. By forming the through-holes in the film F of the air discharge opening 21 in this way, the air discharge opening 21 can be communicated without causing damage to the cartridge 1 or the like, and thus the rewelding surface is almost damaged. Since the injection hole film 90 (to be described later) can be re-deposited onto the surface without damage, reliable re-deposition is achieved. Also, the liquid can be sufficiently injected in a short time, and no air bubbles enter the cartridge 1.

In addition, in order to open the air discharge opening 21 in this embodiment, the removal of the film F is performed by the edge of the air discharge opening 21 so that a part of the film F forms a through hole in the film F. Although practiced in such a way as to be cut along, the invention is not limited thereto or by this, and the removal of the film F for opening the air outlet opening 21 can be realized in various ways. For example, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 15, the film F is cut along the dashed line so that the left half of the film F is removed to open the air outlet opening 21. In other words, the other right half of the film F maintains the sealed state of the air injection opening 20. Optionally, the entire film F will be removed to open both the air outlet opening 20 and the ink injection opening 20.

Then, in the "ink injection process", fresh ink is injected into the cartridge 1.

As shown in Fig. 16, in the " ink injection step ", by using a liquid injection unit as described later, the pressure of the cartridge 1 from which ink is extracted from the cartridge in the " ink extraction step " A vacuum pulling process reduced to (for example 37 Pa) or less; An injection process in which ink is injected into the cartridge 1; An ink replenishment process in which ink is replenished into the temporary storage tank 93 as described later; An ink suction step of sucking a predetermined amount of ink from the cartridge 1 through the ink supply opening 4 after the ink is injected in the injection step; A finishing process in which the "ink injection process" is finished is executed in sequence.

17 shows a liquid injection device of the liquid refill device according to the present invention. In this apparatus, the liquid injection unit has a communication pipe 91 in communication with the atmosphere and connected to the upper portion thereof, and the amount of residual ink metered by the metering device 89 is equal to a predetermined ratio (6% by volume) or A temporary storage tank 93 for storing ink to be refilled into the cartridge 1 above the cartridge 1 checked to be contained therein; A supply pipe (95) connected to an ink tank for containing ink for supplying ink to the temporary storage tank (93); An injection pipe 97 for injecting ink in the temporary storage tank 93 into the cartridge 1 from the air discharge opening 21; An ink trap 99 for extracting and containing ink in the cartridge 1; A suction pump 101 for reducing the pressure of the ink trap 99 through the trap pressure reducing pipe 103 as will be described later; A trap pressure reduction pipe 103 for reducing the pressure of the ink trap 99 by suction of the suction pump 101 and an ink suction pipe 105 for sucking ink from the cartridge 1 are included.

The liquid injection unit injects fresh ink into the cartridge checked to contain the amount of residual ink metered by the metering device 89 at a predetermined ratio (6% by volume) or less by the above configuration.

A communication pipe open / close valve 91a for opening and closing the communication pipe 91 and regulating the exhaust of air to the temporary storage tank 93 is provided in the communication pipe 91. In addition, a supply pipe open / close valve 95a for opening and closing the supply pipe 95 and regulating supply of ink to the temporary storage tank 93 is provided in the supply pipe 95. In addition, an injection pipe opening / closing valve 97a for opening and closing the injection pipe 97 and regulating injection of ink into the cartridge 1 is provided in the injection pipe 97.

An ink receiver 99a for receiving residual ink sucked into the ink trap 99 is provided in the ink trap 99. A suction jig for sucking ink into the cartridge from the ink supply opening 4 is provided at one end of the ink suction pipe 105. In addition, an end in which the suction jig is provided is connected with the ink supply opening 4, and the other end is disposed in the ink receiver 99a of the ink trap 99.

The suction jig supports the cartridge 1 so that the ink supply opening 4 faces upward on the suction jig. That is, the cartridge 1 is positioned lower than the suction jig so that the ink supply opening 4 faces upward. According to the above arrangement, when the ink in the cartridge contains air bubbles, air bubbles near the air supply opening 4 can be collected, whereby air bubbles near the ink supply opening 4 are reliably sucked in and removed. Can be. Even when the ink supply needle 72 to be inserted into the ink supply opening 4 is installed in the suction jig, the operation rod 70 is not installed.

One end of the trap pressure reducing pipe 103 is connected to the suction pump 101, and the other end is disposed at the upper portion of the ink trap 99.

As described later, a liquid holding portion 107 having a volume (about 4 cc in this example) corresponding to the amount of liquid sucked from the ink supply opening 4 in the ink supply process is provided in the ink suction pipe 105. In addition, the upstream suction pipe opening / closing valve 105a for opening and closing the ink suction pipe 105 in the cartridge 1 and the liquid holding portion 107 and regulating the suction of ink into the liquid holding portion 107 is provided with an ink suction pipe ( Upstream of the liquid holding portion 107 in 105. Furthermore, the downstream suction pipe opening / closing valve 105b for opening and closing the ink suction pipe 105 between the ink trap 99 and the liquid holding portion 107, and adjusting the ink suction into the ink trap 99 is provided with the ink suction pipe ( Downstream of the liquid holding portion 107 in 105.

The ink trap 99, the suction pump 101, the ink suction pipe 105, the upstream suction pipe opening and closing valve 105a, the downstream suction pipe opening and closing valve 105b, the liquid holding portion 107, and the like are the ink supply openings 4. Acts as a suction unit for sucking a predetermined amount of ink from the cartridge 1 through the &lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt;

In the "vacuum induction process", the suction pump 101 is operated, and the upstream suction pipe open / close valve 105a and the downstream suction pipe open / close valve 105b are closed. In addition, the communication pipe open / close valve 91a, the supply pipe open / close valve 95a, and the injection pipe open / close valve 97a are closed, and the pressure in the cartridge 1 is about 600 Pa (about 5 Torr) to about 3800 Pa (about 29 Torr). Reduced to be within range.

The degree of vacuum in the cartridge 1 can be preferably set in the range of 5 to 28 Torr, more preferably 10 (about 1300 Pa) to 28 Torr, by adjusting the suction of the suction unit by, for example, a suction control unit for adjusting the suction unit. .

In the injection process, the operation of the suction pump 101 is stopped, the communication pipe open / close valve 91a and the injection pipe open / close valve 97a are opened, and the upstream suction pipe open / close valve 105a and the supply pipe open / close valve 95a. And the downstream suction pipe open / close valve 105b is closed. As a result, the ink in the temporary storage tank 93 is injected from the air outlet opening 21 into the cartridge 1, and its pressure is previously reduced to a range of about 600 to 3800 Pa, and 6 volume% in the residual amount checking process. (1 g in this example) is checked to contain an amount of residual ink of or less.

As described above, fresh ink is injected into the cartridge 1 while the pressure of the cartridge 1 from which the ink is extracted in the " ink extraction process " is previously reduced to a range of 600 to 3800 Pa. As a result, since ink is injected while the air in the cartridge 1 is sufficiently removed, the ink can be replenished smoothly, and the air bubbles do not enter the cartridge 1. In particular, a cartridge equipped with a pressure regulating valve, similar to the cartridge of this embodiment, retains air bubbles when the resistance of the air passing through the pressure regulating valve adversely affects replenishment characteristics or when air bubbles are present in the cartridge 1. It is efficient because it makes. In addition, since the pressure in the cartridge is not excessively reduced, it is possible to prevent the small amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 from being exhausted and solidified, or the intense bubbling from adversely affecting the replenishment properties.

Further, it is checked whether the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 after the ink is extracted occupies a predetermined ratio of the total amount of the ink to be refilled into the cartridge, and the new ink remains at or below the predetermined ratio. Since it is only injected into a cartridge that is checked to contain an amount of, the influence of residual ink on the ink to be replenished into the cartridge (eg lower ink due to a degassing rate, increased viscosity due to drying, etc.) is almost ignored. By this, the quality of the ink in the cartridge 1 used can be ensured. In addition, the yield rate of the ink to be refilled can be ensured while the remaining ink is sufficiently discharged, and both the quality and yield rate of the ink in the regenerated cartridge can be guaranteed.

The liquid refilling device also extracts the residual ink in the cartridge 1 used by the liquid extraction unit. In addition, the metering device 89 measures whether the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 1 after the extraction of the residual ink occupies a predetermined ratio or less, and the liquid injection unit measures the total amount of liquid replenished into the new cartridge. Refilling ink is injected into a cartridge containing an amount of residual ink equal to or less than the predetermined ratio of, thereby reducing the operating or reproducing costs of the apparatus.

In addition, since ink is injected into the cartridge 1 (the ink is extracted from the cartridge in the ink extraction process) from the air discharge opening 21, which is the second opening, not from the ink supply opening 4, the ink is produced in a short time. Can be injected, no air bubbles enter.

Moreover, since the air discharge opening 21 is an opening which communicates with an upstream ink storage chamber (1st ink chamber 11) by the differential pressure valve (pressure regulating valve) comprised by the membrane valve 52, the spring 50, etc. The ink is injected in the same direction as the ink flow direction when the cartridge is used, whereby the ink can be smoothly injected, and the air bubbles hardly disturb or remain.

Thereafter, in the ink refilling step, the communication pipe opening and closing valve 91a and the supply pipe opening and closing valve 95a are opened, and the upstream suction pipe opening and closing valve 105a, the injection pipe opening and closing valve 97a and the downstream suction pipe opening and closing. The valve 105b is closed, whereby ink in the ink tank is supplied to the temporary storage tank 93.

In the ink suction process, the suction pump 101 is operated, and the downstream suction pipe opening and closing valve 105b is opened. In addition, the other open / close valve is closed, and a predetermined negative pressure (about 100 Torr, that is, about 133000 Pa in this example) is maintained in the liquid holding portion 107. Thereafter, the downstream suction pipe open / close valve 105a is closed, and the upstream suction pipe open / close valve 105a is opened, whereby the ink has a volume (about 1.12 g; 1 to 4 cc in this example) of the liquid holding portion 107. Is sucked out of the cartridge 2.

As described above, in the ink suction step, the negative pressure applied near the ink supply opening 4 is such that the predetermined negative pressure opens the upstream suction pipe opening and closing valve 105a provided upstream of the liquid holding portion 107 to hold the liquid. It is suddenly increased from the state accumulated in the portion 107. Therefore, even if ink containing air bubbles replenished in the cartridge 1 is strongly sucked up and ink not containing air bubbles is replenished into the ink supply opening 4 or the like, the liquid is reliably ejected from the liquid jet apparatus. Can be. As described above, since a strong negative pressure can be applied in the vicinity of the ink supply opening 4 without a specific increase in suction force, air bubbles or liquid can be reliably sucked by a simple mechanism.

In addition, after fresh ink is injected into the cartridge 1, a predetermined amount of ink is sucked out of the cartridge 1 through the ink supply opening 4. Therefore, air bubbles hardly remain in the cartridge 1 when a predetermined amount of ink is sucked through the ink suction opening 4 after ink injection. In addition, air bubbles around the ink supply openings having the greatest effect can be eliminated, whereby the refill cartridge can ensure the spray stability of the liquid jet apparatus as much as the new cartridge. Also, when air bubbles are extracted, no pressure is applied to the cartridge 1 from the outside, whereby the cartridge 1 is hardly damaged, and the cartridge can be regenerated more times.

As described above, in the "ink suction process", at least the amount of ink corresponding to the volume of the flow passage from the differential pressure valve to the ink supply opening 4 in the ink supply opening 4 in the cartridge 1 is equal to a constant volume and volume. Sucked out of the liquid holding portion 107, the ink is sucked in and held in the liquid holding portion 107 having a volume corresponding to the amount of liquid sucked from the ink supply opening 4. According to this operation, air bubbles in the flow passage from the differential pressure valve to the ink supply opening 4 can be reliably removed. Even when the air bubbles are upstream of the differential pressure valve, since the air bubbles do not enter the portion downstream of the differential pressure valve, the injection problem can be reliably prevented.

Further, the ink is sucked up and held in the liquid holding portion 107 having a volume corresponding to the amount of liquid sucked from the ink supply opening 4 in the " ink suction process " Since it can be sucked from the ink supply opening 4, a constant ink volume can always be sucked, and residual air bubbles due to loss of ink or lack of suction due to excessive suction can be reliably prevented.

In the finishing process, the operation of the suction pump 101 is stopped, and all the valves are closed to complete the "ink injection process". Thereafter, the next process is started.

In addition, when the entire film F is removed to open both the air discharge opening 21 and the ink injection opening 20, it is necessary to seal the ink injection opening 20 before the "ink injection process". Thus, in this case, similar to the "injection hole film re-deposition process" described later, the ink injection opening 20 is sealed by a film, whereby the film is deposited on the surface of the ink cartridge, not on the surface originally deposited. Then, the "ink injection process" is executed.

In the " injection hole film re-deposition process " (see FIG. 1), the heater 113, which is the re-deposition unit, covers the through hole formed in the film F and the air discharge opening 21 into which ink is injected in the ink injection process ), The injection hole film 90 is re-welded to a surface (flat surface) rather than the originally welded surface (flat surface). According to the above process, it is possible to secure a welding quality that ensures welding strength without liquid leakage without changing the shape of the cartridge 1. In addition, since a new film is used as the injection hole film 90, reliability against deterioration of life can be ensured. In addition, since the injection hole film 90 is re-welded to a portion other than the originally welded surface, the welding reliability is increased.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 18, an inclined surface 111 inclined downward from the opening into the cartridge 1 is formed in the air outlet opening 21 of the cartridge 1. The re-deposition surface is formed by the heater 113 at a portion deeper than the originally deposited surface around the air outlet opening 21. According to this configuration, the re-deposition surface is located deeper than the periphery and covered with the injection hole film 90 whereby the re-deposition surface is hardly damaged while the cartridge is in use. Thus, the film is re-deposited onto the surface without damage, whereby the film can be reliably re-welded.

More specifically, the injection hole film 90 is welded to the inclined surface 111 as the re-welded surface. Next, since the film is re-deposited on the inclined surface 111 inclined downward from the opening edge into the cartridge 1, the film can be easily welded to the welding jig (heater 113) along the inclined portion, thereby By this, the air exhaust opening 21 can be sealed more reliably.

On the other hand, in re-welding, an elastic film can be used, whereby the injection hole film 90 changes shape to re-weld and to use an inelastic film, whereby the injection hole film 90 can be re-welded. Wrinkled In this case, the air outlet opening 21 can be tightly sealed along the shape of the re-welding surface, whereby the cartridge exhibits a square appearance, and ink leakage can be more reliably prevented.

According to the refill cartridge, a user can reuse a refill cartridge having a welding quality that ensures weld strength without liquid leakage without changing the shape of the cartridge. In addition, since a new film is used as the injection hole film 90, reliability against deterioration of life can be ensured. In addition, since the film is re-welded to a portion other than the originally welded surface, the welding reliability is increased and the user satisfaction is improved.

In the "supply opening re-deposition process" (see FIG. 1), the supply opening film is re-welded to seal the ink supply opening 4 again by a heater. Here, similar to the "injection hole film re-welding process", the film may be re-welded to the inclined surface of the ink supply opening 4 or to a portion which is not originally welded.

After that (see Fig. 1), in the "weight check process", the weight of the cartridge 1 is checked and it is checked whether the refill cartridge 1 has the same weight as that of the new cartridge. In particular, since the weight of the new cartridge is about 20.5 g, if the metered weight of the refill cartridge 1 is in the range of 20.5-1 g, the following process is started.

Then, in the "IC data recording process", the IC checker, which is an information recording unit that records information such as the reproduction information of the IC chip 49, records the reproduction information in the IC chip 49 of the cartridge 1.

The reproduction information includes the number of reproductions (reproduction number) of the cartridge 1 or the like. In the " IC data recording process ", the reproduction number is increased by " 1 ".

On the other hand, in the "selection process", when the IC checker reads the information stored in the IC chip 49, if the reproduction number exceeds a predetermined number, the cartridge 1 provided in the IC chip 49 is removed as NG. Or may be reported by a particular reporting unit. According to the operation, the number of reproductions can be adjusted. In addition, since the parts become coarse, it is possible to prevent the cartridge from being repeatedly recycled or the damaged cartridge from being sold.

In addition, when the cartridge 1 is used in the recording apparatus, the amount of residual ink is stored in the IC chip, and the amount of residual ink is read out from the IC chip 49 in the "ink extraction process", and then the amount of residual ink is read out. The corresponding amount of ink can be extracted from the cartridge 1 used. According to this operation, the amount of residual ink suitable for refilling can be extracted, and the ink in the cartridge 1 used can be replaced more efficiently with the refilling ink.

In addition, after the ink extraction is stored in the IC chip in the "ink extraction process", the metered amount of residual ink and the amount of residual ink stored in the IC chip are read, and it is determined whether the ink is injected or corresponding to the amount of residual ink. The amount of ink may be reinjected in the "ink injection process". According to the above operation, ink can be reliably injected only into a cartridge containing, for example, 1 g or less of residual ink. In addition, an amount of ink suitable for refilling may be injected.

Next, after the "IC data recording process", the IC checker reads the information of the IC chip 49 of the cartridge 1 in order to check whether or not the information was recorded reliably in the "IC data recording process".

Next, in the "lot stamping process", the lot number is stamped on the cartridge 1. Meanwhile, the stamp may be formed by thermal stamping or stamp.

Next, in the "labeling process", a new label identifying the regenerated one and a label covering the vicinity of the air outlet opening 21 are attached to the cartridge 1.

Next, in the "external pressure inspection process", ink leakage from the cartridge 1 is inspected. In this process, the cartridge 1 is put into a box, the pressure is reduced to a predetermined negative pressure, and then it is checked whether the ink leaks from the cartridge at the reduced pressure. Also, if the container body 2 or the like breaks or ink leaks from the cartridge, the cartridge is evaluated as NG and removed.

Next, in the "packing process", the cartridge 1 is reduced in pressure and packed so that ink in the cartridge 1 does not come into contact with air. As described above, since the cartridge 1 is reduced in pressure and packed, and the ink is blocked from the air, the degassing ratio of the ink in the cartridge is sufficiently maintained.

Next, in the "12h leak check process", the pressure reduction and the packaging cartridge 1 remain for 12 hours, and then ink is leaked from the cartridge or air enters the pressure reduced and packaged cartridge 1 It is checked.

Next, in the " individual packaging process ", the high quality refill cartridge 1 in which ink does not leak is packaged.

So far, an example of a method for refilling liquid into a cartridge has been described according to the present example.

As described above, in the liquid refilling method, the cartridge 1 can be recycled by injecting ink into the used cartridge 1, and the cost due to the reduction of the environmental burden and the reuse of parts accompanied by waste reduction Savings are achieved, thereby allowing the user to provide a cartridge at a low price. In addition, since there is no need to apply external pressure to the cartridge 1, the cartridge is hardly damaged and the cartridge can be regenerated more times. As described above, the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, and the user can provide a high quality used cartridge at a low regeneration cost.

In this embodiment, the through hole is formed through the film F to open the air discharge opening 21 to enable ink injection, and after ink injection, the surface on which the different injection hole films 90 were originally deposited. It is welded as a surface welded to a surface other than this to cover the through hole formed in the injection hole film F, thereby sealing the air outlet opening 21 again. However, any other means can be used as long as the air outlet opening 21 can be sealed and closed. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the use of a film, and does not limit fixation to welding.

For example, a variant is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, which variant seals the air outlet opening 21. 19A is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the air discharge opening 21 is opened by removing a portion of the film F. FIG. 19B is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the air discharge opening 21 is sealed after injection of ink. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the air discharge opening 21 is sealed.

As shown in Fig. 19B, in the present modification, after ink injection, a sealing plug 120 made of an elastic material such as resin is used to seal the air outlet opening 21. As shown in FIG. That is, in this modification, the sealing plug 120 is used as a sealing member.

As shown in FIGS. 19B and 20, the sealing plug 120 has a flange portion 120a that is circular in shape when viewed from above, and a sealing portion whose center protrudes from one surface 120d of the flange portion 120. 120b. The sealing portion 120b is integrally formed with the flange portion 120a and has an outer peripheral surface 120c whose shape coincides with the tapered shape of the inclined surface 111. When the air outlet opening 21 is sealed, the sealing portion 120b of the sealing plug 120 is inserted into the air outlet opening 21, whereby the outer peripheral surface 120b is caused by the sealing portion 120b to air It is in intimate contact with the inclined surface 111 of the discharge opening 21. The sealing plug 120 is fixed in this state. At the same time, one surface 120d of the flange portion 120a is pressed against the film F and in close contact with the film F to seal between the film F and the flange portion 120a. The air outlet opening 21 is sealed in this form.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sealing is realized on the inclined surface 111 concave from the surroundings. Before the ink injection, this inclined surface is covered and protected by the injection hole film F, thus hardly being damaged. The sealing portion 120b of the sealing plug 120 is in intimate contact with an intact surface to achieve a reliable sealing after ink injection.

In this modification, the sealing plug 120 having a predetermined shape is used as the sealing member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a (adhesive) resin (such as an elastic member having an irregular shape) that does not have a predetermined shape and can be easily deformed may be used as the sealing member to seal the air outlet opening 21. For example, such a resin has adhesive properties that match the material of the container body of the ink cartridge 1. In this case, also for sealing the air outlet opening 21, the resin is pressed against the inclined surface 111, which is a protected and clean surface, whereby a reliable seal is realized.

In this embodiment, the air outlet opening 21 is used to refill the ink into the ink cartridge. The present invention uses the ink injection opening 20 instead of the air discharge opening 21 to refill the ink into the ink cartridge, or both the air discharge opening 21 and the ink injection opening 20 ink into the ink cartridge. It can be implemented to be used to replenish.

Also, the refilling ink may be ink of the same color, or ink of the same color group or ink of similar color. Here, an ink of the same group means an ink having the same group of colorants or color materials that have substantially the same color characteristics as those of the ink originally filled and consumed (for example, red ink and pale red ink, etc.) By similarly colored ink is meant an ink with a colorant or color material that has a color characteristic similar to that of the ink originally filled and consumed (eg red ink and orange ink and the like). Also, in some cases, the refill liquid may be an ink that is completely different in color from the ink originally filled and consumed.

Although this embodiment deals with the case where liquid is refilled into a used cartridge, the present invention is also applicable when liquid is replenished into a new cartridge.

This embodiment deals with an ink jet recording apparatus, but the liquid jet apparatus can eject not only ink but also an adhesive, a manicure, a conductive liquid (liquid metal), and the like. Further, this embodiment deals with an ink jet recording head using ink which is liquid, but the present invention provides a recording head for use in an image recording apparatus such as a printer; Dye jet heads used in the manufacture of color filters, such as liquid crystal displays; An electron forming material jet head used for electron formation such as an organic EL display, a surface emitting display (FED), and the like; It can be applied to bio-organic jet heads used in the manufacture of biochips and the like.

According to the present invention, since the used cartridge can be efficiently recycled in a simple process, the user can be provided with a high quality used cartridge at a low recycling cost, and the used cartridge can be reused by injecting liquid into the cartridge. As a result, a reduction in the environmental burden associated with the reduction of waste and cost reduction due to the reuse of parts is achieved, whereby the user can be provided with the cartridge at a low price, and also the same film as the originally attached film can be obtained. If used, there is an effect that reliability can be ensured that the service life is not degraded.

Claims (46)

A method of refilling liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, the method comprising: A film removal process of communicating the opening with the outside of the used cartridge by removing the first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge used to seal the opening; A liquid injection process of injecting liquid into the cartridge used through the openings communicated in the film removal process; A re-deposition process in which the liquid is redeposited using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the re-deposited surface in order to reseal the opening injected in the liquid injection process. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 1, The redeposited surface is formed in a recess around the opening and is deeper than the originally deposited surface. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 1, An inclined surface inclined downward from the edge of the opening toward the inside of the cartridge is formed in the opening of the cartridge, and in the re-deposition process, the second film is re-welded using the inclined surface as the re-deposition surface. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 1, The cartridge has a pressure regulating valve for regulating the supply pressure of the liquid in the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device, wherein the cartridge has a liquid held therein by the pressure regulation of the pressure regulating valve. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 1, The cartridge has a liquid supply opening for supplying liquid to the liquid jet device, and the liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening prior to the liquid injection process. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 5, The liquid is injected in the liquid injection process through an opening different from the liquid supply opening into the cartridge where residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 4, wherein The opening communicates with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve. Liquid refill method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first film on the opening is removed by forming a through hole in the first film on the opening when the first film on the opening is removed in the film removing process, The liquid is injected into the cartridge through the opening in the liquid injection process Liquid refill method. A liquid refilling device for refilling liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, A film removing unit for removing the first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge used to seal the opening, thereby communicating the opening with the outside of the cartridge used; A liquid injection unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge used through the opening communicated by the film removal unit; A re-deposition unit for re-welding the second film using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the re-deposited surface in order to re-seal the opening injected by the liquid injection unit. Liquid refilling device. A refill cartridge made by refilling a liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, In order to communicate the opening with the outside of the cartridge used, the first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge used to seal the opening is removed, and the opening is resealed after the liquid is injected. In which the second film is re-welded using a surface other than the originally deposited surface as the re-welded surface. Refill Cartridge. A method for replenishing liquid into a cartridge mountable on a liquid jet device, the method comprising: A liquid injection process for injecting liquid into the cartridge, And a suction process in which the cartridge sucks a predetermined amount of liquid from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device after the liquid is injected in the liquid injection process. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 11, The cartridge includes a pressure regulating valve that regulates the supply pressure of the liquid at the liquid supply opening. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 12, The predetermined amount of liquid sucked in the suction process corresponds to at least the volume of the flow passage from the pressure regulating valve to the liquid supply opening in the liquid supply passage in the cartridge. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 11, The liquid is sucked and held in a liquid holding portion having a volume corresponding to the amount of liquid sucked from the liquid supplying process in the suctioning process. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 14, The suction process is performed by opening and closing a valve installed upstream of the liquid holding portion from a state where a predetermined negative pressure is accumulated in the liquid holding portion. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 12, The cartridge is a used cartridge with liquid consumed, The liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening prior to the liquid injection process Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 16, The liquid is injected into the cartridge where residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process through a second opening rather than a liquid supply opening. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 17, The second opening is in communication with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve. Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 16, The liquid is introduced into the cartridge with the liquid previously reduced such that the pressure of the cartridge extracted from the cartridge in the liquid extraction process is in the range of 600 to 3800 Pa. Liquid replenishment method. A liquid containing therein the liquid replenished by the liquid replenishing method according to any one of claims 10 to 19 cartridge. A liquid replenishment device for replenishing liquid into a cartridge mountable on a liquid jet device, A liquid injection unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge, And a suction unit for sucking the predetermined amount of liquid from the inside of the cartridge through the liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device after the liquid is injected by the liquid injection unit. Liquid refilling device. A method of refilling liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, the method comprising: A liquid extraction process for extracting the liquid remaining in the used cartridge, A residual amount checking step of checking whether the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge after the remaining liquid is extracted in the extraction process occupies a predetermined ratio or less with respect to the total amount of liquid to be filled in the new cartridge; And a liquid injection process for injecting liquid into the used cartridge checked to contain an amount of residual liquid at a predetermined ratio or less in the residual amount check process. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 22, In the residual amount checking process, a predetermined ratio is 6% by volume. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 22, When the residual liquid in the cartridge is extracted in the liquid extraction process, a predetermined amount of liquid corresponding to the surface area of the cartridge is configured to remain in the cartridge, and the liquid is injected in the liquid injection process into the cartridge in which the predetermined amount of liquid remains. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 22, Said cartridge having a pressure regulating valve for regulating the supply pressure of the liquid at the liquid supply opening; Liquid refill method. The method of claim 22, The liquid remaining in the used cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening in the liquid extraction process of supplying the liquid to the liquid jet apparatus. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 26, The liquid is injected through a second opening different from the liquid supply opening into the cartridge where residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process. Liquid refill method. The method of claim 27, The second opening is in communication with the liquid storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve. Liquid refill method. A liquid refilling device for refilling liquid into a used cartridge mountable to a liquid jet device, A liquid extraction unit for extracting the liquid remaining in the cartridge; A metering unit for measuring whether the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge after the liquid is extracted by the liquid extraction unit occupies a predetermined ratio or less than the total amount of liquid to be filled into the new cartridge; A liquid injecting unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge checked such that the amount of liquid metered by the metering unit contains a predetermined ratio or less; Liquid refilling device. An ink supply opening formed in the container body, an ink chamber formed in the container body, the container body and adapted to receive an ink supply needle of a printer to communicate the ink chamber and the print head, and formed in the container body. And an ink injection opening in communication with the ink chamber, and a film member attached to the container body to seal the ink injection opening. Forming a through hole through the film member to release the ink injection opening; Injecting ink into the ink chamber through the through hole and the ink injection opening; Attaching a sealing member to the container body on the film member to seal the ink injection opening, wherein a portion of the sealing member is passed through the through hole and in liquid contact with the inner surface of the ink injection opening, An inner surface comprising the sealing process, located between the film member and the ink chamber How to refill ink. The method of claim 30, The ink cartridge has a differential pressure valve mechanism, the differential pressure valve mechanism being disposed in a portion of a fluid passage connecting the ink chamber to the ink supply opening, and typically blocking the fluid passage, between the ink supply opening and the ink chamber. The fluid passage is opened when the difference in the ink pressure is greater than the preset value by the consumption of the ink by the print head, The process of injecting ink includes injecting ink into the ink chamber through the through hole and the ink injection opening, and applying negative pressure to the ink supply opening so that the differential pressure valve mechanism opens the fluid passage. How to refill ink. The method of claim 31, wherein A portion of the sealing member is thermally welded to the inner surface of the ink injection opening How to refill ink. In an ink cartridge, With the container body, An ink chamber formed in the container body; An ink supply opening formed in the container body and suitable for receiving an ink supply needle of a printer for communicating between the ink chamber and the print head; An ink injection opening formed in the container body and in communication with the ink chamber; A film member attached to the container body and having a through hole facing the ink injection opening; A sealing member attached to the container body on the film member, wherein a portion of the sealing member passes through the through hole and is in liquid contact with the inner surface of the ink injection opening, the inner surface being the film member and the ink chamber. Positioned between, including the sealing member Ink cartridge. The method of claim 33, wherein Disposed in a portion of a fluid passage connecting the ink chamber to the ink supply opening, and typically blocking the fluid passage, wherein a difference in ink pressure between the ink supply opening and the ink chamber is caused by consumption of ink by the print head. And further comprising a differential pressure valve mechanism to open the fluid passage if greater than a preset value. Ink cartridge. The method of claim 33, wherein A portion of the sealing member is thermally welded to the inner surface of the ink injection opening How to refill ink. A method for replenishing liquid into a cartridge mountable on a liquid jet device, the method comprising: A film removing process of removing the first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening communicating with the inside of the cartridge to seal the opening, and communicating the opening with the outside of the used cartridge; A liquid injection step of injecting a liquid into the cartridge through the opening communicated with the film removal step; A sealing process for resealing the opening by bringing the sealing member into close contact with the surface that is not originally welded; Liquid replenishment method. The method of claim 36, The sealing surface is formed in a recess around the opening and is deeper than the originally deposited surface. How to refill ink. The method of claim 36, The sealing member is a sealing plug or elastic member, not a uniform shape. How to refill ink. The method of claim 36, An inclined surface inclined downward from the edge of the opening to the inside of the cartridge is formed in the opening of the cartridge, and in the sealing process, the second film to the sealing member is re-welded to the inclined surface. How to refill ink. The method of claim 36, The cartridge has a pressure regulating valve for regulating the supply pressure of the liquid at a liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet device, wherein the cartridge holds the liquid therein by adjusting the pressure of the pressure regulating valve. How to refill ink. The method of claim 36, The cartridge has a liquid supply opening for supplying liquid to the liquid jet device, and the liquid remaining in the cartridge is extracted from the liquid supply opening prior to the liquid extraction process. How to refill ink. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein The liquid is injected into the cartridge through which the residual liquid is extracted in the liquid extraction process, through an opening different from the liquid supply opening. How to refill ink. The method of claim 40, The opening is in communication with the ink storage chamber upstream of the pressure regulating valve. How to refill ink. The method of any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein The first film on the opening is removed by forming a through hole in the first film on the opening when the first film on the opening is removed in a film removing process, The liquid is injected into the cartridge through the opening in the liquid injection process How to refill ink. A liquid replenishment device for replenishing liquid into a cartridge mountable on a liquid jet device, A film removing unit which removes the first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge to seal the opening, and communicates the opening with the outside of the cartridge used; A liquid injection unit for injecting liquid into the cartridge through the opening communicated by the film removal unit; A sealing unit for resealing the opening by intimate contact of the sealing member with a surface other than the originally welded surface; Liquid refilling device. A refill cartridge manufactured by refilling a liquid into a cartridge mountable on a liquid jet device, The first film deposited on the originally deposited surface around the opening in communication with the inside of the cartridge to seal the opening is removed to communicate the opening with the outside of the cartridge, and the sealing member is used to reseal the opening after the liquid is injected. In order to be in intimate contact with the surface Refill Cartridge.

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